They may not have had cosy dog beds or warm dog blankets in the wild, but dogs soon learned that by circling several times before they lay down they could flatten the grass to make a comfortable resting place for the night.
Luckily for them, they no longer need to do this as their caring owners (that's you and me!) provide soft, comfortable beds and blankets for them.
In some of our pet, however, this instinct is still very much in evidence.
Just watch your Cocker's actions before he lays down - if he's anything like mine, he'll circle a few times before flopping down on the rug or in his bed and then give a big contented sigh!
Sleeping arrangements for your Spaniel are important and with such a diverse range of cosy beds and blankets available, there's no excuse!
There are so many different types to choose from, including designer beds, and so many variables to take into consideration that it can sometimes be difficult to choose!

What will you choose for your Cocker Spaniel, a padded dog bed (sometimes known as a snuggler), a pillow, a doggie mattress, a simple mat or a rug?
Before you make your choice it's advisable to consider what style of bed will best suit your Cocker; the bed's material; and its shape and size.
Where your pet sleeps may also have a bearing on your choice, for example, if he sleeps on your bed, you may choose a blanket for him to sleep on - it will help to keep your bedding clean too!
Your choice of bed for your pet is purely personal but you can learn about the different types of dog beds available and what to look for when choosing your pet's bed.
I don't know of any owners who don't have a selection of soft, welcoming blankets for their favourite Cocker Spaniel!

Blankets can be found in lots of interesting shapes and sizes to suit all types of pooch.
They come in rectangle, oblong or square, sometimes circular, and range from very small (for puppies and small breeds) to very large (for adult Cockers and bigger breeds).
You'll also find a wide selection of materials to choose from, including faux fur like the one in the picture (he looks very cosy, doesn't he?).
Blankets can be bought plain or patterned and often very colourful!
You can even have them embroidered with the name of your precious little Spaniel - if you wish!
A blanket will help to keep your best friend warm and cosy, and once his scent has permeated his blanket, it will become a source of great comfort to him so go on, why not spoil him?
Where your Cocker Spaniel sleeps is very important.
In the wild, the alpha male will always have the best sleeping ground and it will almost always be higher than the others, as height reinforces the position of the alpha male (or alpha female).
In his domestic life, you are the alpha male!

To avoid your Cocker Spaniel challenging you for the role of alpha dog, you must ensure he is always positioned lower than you, ie., on the floor.
Separate sleeping arrangements for you and your Cocker Spaniel are important if he challenges your alpha status.
However, if your Cocker has never questioned your status, and he gets down from your bed willingly and without question when asked, you may prefer him to sleep on your bed.
Learn more about sleeping dogs and whether or not they should be allowed to sleep on your bed.
Outdoor kennels and houses are also a very popular addition to canine creature comforts - allowing our pets to enjoy more of an outdoor life without missing out on his indoor comforts!
If you're busy and you need a couple of hours to yourself, and you've a securely fenced garden, these allow you to safely leave your dog outside, where he'll get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
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Photo Credits - In order of viewing:
1. Willeecole at http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-litter-puppies-image13731642
2. Jeff Moriarty at www.flickr.com
3. Jeffrey W at www.flickr.com
4. Howard Young at www.flickr.com
5. Tony Alter at Flickr.com